Grand Teton / Jackson Hole?

[jornvango]

We'll be spending about a month or so in the Jackson Hole valley in July. I like photography so I'm usually up before dawn to drive around in the valley (Antelope flats near Gros Ventre, etc.) to take pictures of the wildlife and the Tetons in the sunrise.

Last year, we stayed at the Gros Ventre campground in the park and liked it. But, $21 per night adds up for an entire month, especially with no WiFi or electrical hookup included.

Does someone have experience in staying in the national forest on the east side of the valley? (I see there are a couple of national forest campsites next to Kelly)

For free or does the national forest charge? I don't mind dispersed free camping (we have a generator if needed).

Thanks!

[lucy6194]

stayed at atherton last year in 28ft 5th wheel saw deer and black bear in camp. Drove to Gunsight Pass (not for faint of heart or sketchy marriages.)

[Off_Pavement]

Most dispersed camping suitable for an RV in the national forest along the edge of Grand Teton Nation Park and north of Kelly has a length of stay restriction of just 2 days this time of year. After Labor Day it jumps to 2 weeks.

[profdant139]

Another vote for Atherton -- this was taken from our campsite there -- the sunset is reflected in Slide Lake, and the Tetons are on the western horizon:



Be aware that the access road is a little rough -- gravel with potholes. No big deal -- just take it slow.

[dahkota]

I have no idea what you are driving/ rving in, but if you have something short, you should be able to make it to some of the spots on Shadow mountain. From Gros Ventre Campground, head towards Kelly. Take Antelope Flats Road which eventually turns into Shadow Mountain Road. We drove it two weeks ago (without the tt) and found a couple of small trailers and a class C back there. Don't go too far though, especially if you are towing. There are some sites with incredible views of the Tetons. A good map is your friend.I would return the way I came as further down the road it will get tight. We have a tt 32' in total length and could have made it to the first couple of sites going slow.

There is also Atherton Campground right in that area, but we didn't check it out.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/btnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=71623&actid=29

And the site on top of Shadow Mountain makes an excellent panorama shot location.

[TexasShadow]

We've been up to Atherton and also to Shadow Mountain campgrounds. As stated, Atherton charges a bit more, but is more organized, with a vaulted toilet and fishing and peace and quiet. There appear to be some pull out places along the way to Atherton after you climb up off the flats a bit.
Shadow Mountain can be totally empty or there can be a half dozen tenters. It is sandy no one cuts what grass and weeds there are, but it sits in a stand of cottonwoods and has a terrific view of the Tetons.
You could alternate your stay between these places and the NP gros ventre campground for your water and dump station.
There are some more spots up on the north end out of Flagg Ranch on Grassy Lake Road..right along the river, very scenic, but each spot has only two or three sites..and a vaulted toilet.
Good luck and enjoy your stay.

[Ivylog]

I hate to post this as some day I'll arrive to find my spot taken. We just arrived this afternoon at Hatchet USFS CG that is 10 miles E of Moran Junction. $10/night but only $5 with the Old Fart Pass. There is water (bring a long hose) but only one site big enough for a big rig and I'm able to get Sat TV from it. No dump station so you wold have to figure that out for long term. The mosquitoes are pretty bad so I'd get out my fogger if I was staying any length of time. Had dinner at the Hatchet Resort next door so I could get the code to their "guest" WiFi which I'm using to post this.
There are several USFS CGs north of here on the river but pretty sure there is not any water.

[rv2go]

Well, since you have stayed at Gros Ventre, you probably know about the Forest Service campground, Atherton Creek located on the shore of Lower Slide Lake. Other than being a little ways out, it's nice. $12 a night last year. $6 for us old guys. Dry. Water spigots. Pit toilets. You would have to dump at Gros Ventre.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Try this site. http://freecampsites.net/#!%20Jackson%20Hole